HXW-6WL Wrist Voltage Proximity Alarm

HASEGAWA HXW-6WL is the low-voltage-sensitive wrist-worn voltage detection and proximity alarm of the HXW-6 series. Worn on the wrist like a watch, it senses the electric field of an energised conductor without contact as the hand approaches and gives an audible warning of at least 65 dB. Because it works from AC 400 V up to 22 kV, it can be used both in LV distribution boards and in MV installations up to 22 kV.

The HXW-6WL is manufactured in Japan by Hasegawa Electric and used by DSO field crews, maintenance electricians at industrial sites, panel builders and electrical contractors. HASEGAWA Türkiye, the official distributor in Türkiye, supplies genuine HASEGAWA units to customers across Europe.

HXW-6 series: HXW-6WL and HXW-6W

The wrist alarm family widely searched for as "HXW-6" comprises two models in HASEGAWA's current catalogue. The HXW-6WL is the model tuned to detect low voltage. The HXW-6W is designed exclusively for MV switchgear (cubicle) work. Although the two models look alike, their sensitivity differs, so they alarm at different distances at the same voltage.

	HXW-6WL	HXW-6W
Operating voltage	AC 400 V – 22 kV	AC 1 kV – 42 kV
Standard alarm distance	Approx. 25 cm at 400 V	Approx. 60 cm at 6.6 kV
Theoretical distance at 6.6 kV	1.0 m	0.6 m
Theoretical distance at 22 kV	1.9 m	1.1 m
Design purpose	Broad use from LV to MV	MV switchgear work only
Battery	CR1620 × 1	CR1620 × 1

Alarm distance by voltage (theoretical values)

HASEGAWA gives the following theoretical voltage–distance values for the HXW-6WL. The voltages in the table are nominal (phase-to-phase) values.

Nominal voltage	Theoretical alarm distance
0.4 kV	0.25 m
1 kV	0.4 m
6.6 kV	1.0 m
11 kV	1.3 m
22 kV	1.9 m

These values are theoretical references obtained under the manufacturer's standard conditions; they are not safe approach distances. On site, nearby earthed structures, conductor position and cable arrangement can shorten the distance, while on overhead distribution lines the alarm starts further away. Always observe how the device behaves in the actual environment before starting work.

How does a wrist-worn proximity alarm work?

An alternating electric field forms around an energised conductor. The HXW-6WL continuously monitors the strength of this field; as the worker's hand approaches the conductor the field becomes stronger, and once the threshold is exceeded the audible alarm sounds. Because the device sits on the wrist, the warning comes from the limb closest to the live part, and work continues uninterrupted while the hands hold tools.

Detection is directional: sensitivity is lower towards the back of the device. Wearing the alarm on the wrist of the working hand, which comes closest to live parts, therefore helps the warning come early.

Points to note when using the HXW-6WL at medium voltage

Because the HXW-6WL is made more sensitive to detect low voltage, it may start alarming at unnecessarily long distances on medium- and high-voltage sites. An alarm that sounds too often can lead the crew to ignore the warning. If your work is mainly in MV switchgear, or on installations above 22 kV (e.g. 33 kV or 35 kV), the HXW-6W is the better choice.

Technical specifications

• Operating voltage: AC 400 V – 22 kV, 50/60 Hz
• Standard alarm distance: approx. 25 cm at 400 V (230 V phase-to-earth), HASEGAWA standard conditions
• Sound level: at least 65 dB at 60 cm
• Battery: 1 × CR1620 lithium coin cell
• Operating temperature: −10 °C … +40 °C
• Dimensions and weight: 77 × 40 × 14 mm, approx. 35 g
• Catalogue markings: CE, RoHS and "Waterproof"

Limits of use and safety

• The HXW-6WL is not a voltage detector and cannot be used to verify the absence of voltage. A silent alarm does not mean "dead"; the work location must be checked with a suitable voltage detector.
• Disconnection, locking/tagging, verification of absence of voltage and earthing are carried out exactly as usual; the alarm is an awareness layer added on top of this sequence. For the detail of each step, see our article on the five safety rules for electrical work, as set out in EN 50110-1.
• Before each use, check that the device works using the method in the instruction manual, and keep a spare CR1620 battery in the crew kit.
• On cables with an earthed screen, the electric field is shielded; the alarm may not respond at these points.
• It does not replace personal protective equipment or minimum approach distances.

For a comparison of wrist, arm and helmet alarms, see our Wrist Voltage Proximity Alarm: Selection Guide.

Why buy from HASEGAWA Türkiye?

• Help choosing between the HXW-6WL and HXW-6W according to the voltage levels your crews work on
• Tailored quotations for crew-wide bulk purchases, based on quantity and delivery schedule
• Genuine Japanese-made HASEGAWA products from the official distributor in Türkiye, with commercial invoice